Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale)

Definition

Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) is a sexually transmitted disease that is rarely seen in the United States.

Alternative Names

Granuloma inguinale

Causes

Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) is caused by the bacteria Klebsiella granulomatis. The disease is commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas such as southeast India, Guyana, and New Guinea. However, it can sometimes occur in the United States, typically in the Southeast. There are about 100 cases reported per year in the United States.

The disease spreads mostly through vaginal or anal intercourse. Very rarely, it spreads during oral sex.

Men are affected more than twice as often as women. Most infections occur in people ages 20 - 40. The disease is rarely seen in children or the elderly.

Symptoms

Symptoms can occur 1 to 12 weeks after coming in contact with the bacteria that cause the disease.

About half of infected men and women have sores in the anal area.

Small, beefy-red bumps appear on the genitals or around the anus.

The skin gradually wears away, and the bumps turn into raised, beefy-red, velvety nodules called granulation tissue. They are usually painless, but they bleed easily if injured.

The disease slowly spreads and destroys genital tissue.

Tissue damage may spread to the area where the legs meet the torso. This area is called the inguinal folds.

The genitals and the skin around them lose skin color.

In its early stages, it may be hard to tell the difference between donovanosis and chancroid.

In the later stages, donovanosis may look like advanced genital cancers,

Exams and Tests

Laboratory tests, such as those used to detect syphilis, are available only on a research basis for diagnosing donovanosis.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat donovanosis. A cure for the condition requires long-term treatment. Most treatment courses run 3 weeks or until the sores have completely healed.

A follow-up examination is important because the disease can reappear after it seems to be cured.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Treating this disease early decreases the chances of tissue damage or scarring. Untreated disease leads to damage of the genital tissue.

Possible Complications

Genital damage and scarring

Loss of skin color in genital area

Permanent genital swelling due to scarring

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

You have had sexual contact with a person who is known to have donovanosis

You develop symptoms of donovanosis

You develop an ulcer in the genital area

Prevention

Avoiding all sexual activity is the only absolute way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease such as donovanosis. However, safer sex behaviors may reduce your risk.

The proper use of condoms, either the male or female type, greatly decreases the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity.

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